Donor Families’ Experience of Organ Donation

Abstract

This retrospective study surveyed families who consented to organ donation in the State of Queensland, Australia, from January 1991 to December 1992 inclusive, and evaluated their experience of the organ donation process. The survey questioned families in relation to the preparation they received, their understanding of brain death, the request process, influencing factors, and post donation follow-up. One hundred and eight families consented to organ donation over this 24-month period. Twelve families of paediatric donors under the age of twelve years were excluded, and twelve families were not able to be contacted. Of the remaining 84 families, 42 participated in this study. Overall the study results indicated a positive attitude towards the organ donation process. The majority of families did not find the process stressful and indicated that they were provided with sufficient information and preparation, and that the request was made in a sensitive manner. A few important issues and areas for improvement were highlighted: in particular, the need for families to have an opportunity to view the body after procurement, and the importance of counselling throughout and after the donation process.